Okinawa is celebrated worldwide for the extraordinary longevity of its people, many of whom live active, healthy lives well into their 100s. This autumn, travellers can experience a taste of that lifestyle by exploring the island's seasonal treasures. From picking shikuwasa (Okinawan lime) in the lush mountains of northern Okinawa's main island and baking beni-imo (purple sweet potato) tarts on the Onna Coast, to savouring the autumn harvest at Uza Terrace Beach Club Villas, each activity offers a delicious glimpse into Okinawa's food heritage and its role in supporting wellbeing.

Zest of the Season: Shikuwasa Harvest in Nago

On the northern part of Okinawa's main island, travellers will find Nago City, a destination bounded by the sea on both its eastern and western shores and surrounded by lush mountains. Rich in natural beauty, the city has agriculture at the heart of its identity. At Katsuyama BASECAMP, visitors can enjoy hands-on shikuwasa-picking experiences. Celebrated annually on 22 September as Shikuwasa Day, this small citrus fruit is prized for its refreshing flavour, high vitamin C content and antioxidant-rich nutrients. During the harvest season, local orchards open their gates to travellers, who can pick and taste the fruit straight from the tree - an authentic and flavourful introduction to Okinawa's seasonal food heritage. Prices start at JPY 1,500 per person (approx. £8).

Sweet Tradition: Beni-imo Tart Making

On the Onna Coast, a scenic stretch of shoreline in northern Okinawa Main Island, travellers can enjoy a hands-on experience at Okashi Goten Onna, creating the island's iconic beni-imo tarts. The vivid purple sweet potato, in season from October to November, is valued for its natural sweetness and antioxidant-rich nutrients, making it a popular ingredient in both traditional dishes and confectionery. In this workshop, travellers use the vibrant yam to make and package their own tarts to take home. With coastal views as the backdrop, the experience offers an authentic taste of Okinawan food culture. Prices start from JPY 1,980 per person (approx. £10).

Farm-to-Table at Uza Terrace Beach Club Villas

On the western coast of central Okinawa's main island, overlooking the East China Sea, lies Yomitan Village and the luxurious Uza Terrace Beach Club Villas, a resort of 48 villas each with a private pool. Ideal for travellers seeking a refined farm-to-table experience, the property features its own farm, which produces seasonal vegetables, herbs and fruits that are incorporated throughout the guest experience. Guests can book staff-guided tours of the farm, which include the October and November harvest featuring water lemons (a golden fruit similar to passion fruit), pumpkin and fresh herbs. Stays at Uza Terrace Beach Club Villas start from JPY 174,000(approx. £870) for a Pool Villa accommodating up to three adults.

More information about the bountiful produce that underpins Okinawa's Blue Zone lifestyle is available here: https://visitokinawajapan.com/discover/food-and-longevity/

ENDS 

About Okinawa:

Japan's southernmost prefecture, Okinawa, comprises 160 subtropical islands boasting a year-round warm climate comparable to Hawaii, Miami and Cancun. Just 3 hours by air from Tokyo and blessed with incredible natural beauty, from lush forests to crystal blue waters with abundant coral and golden sands, Okinawa is perfect for beach lovers and sports enthusiasts alike, whilst still appealing to culture seekers thanks to its unique history and heritage. Using the bountiful fresh produce its natural environment produces, Okinawa's culinary culture is also unique and is believed to be a key factor in Okinawa's status as one of only five blue zones in the world recognised for longevity.

For further media information about Okinawa, contact: Be Okinawa - UK & Ireland Representative, Laura Boo: E: laura@humewhitehead.co.uk / T: +44 (0) 203 375 4056